Mikia Kalati
Sundawana Football Club owner, Thato Nkone, believes his team can win the premier league title this season.
The Butha-Buthe outfit are third on the 14-team premiership table and Nkone is confident the team has the quality to go all the way and clinch their maiden topflight league title.
Sundawana are on a six-match winning streak and last weekend, beat powerhouse Bantu 1-0 in Mafeteng to underline their strength.
After Saturday’s stunning win, Sundawana moved into third place on the table and have the same 21 points with defending champions Lioli.
However, Lioli have only played 10 matches while Sundawana are on 12. Pacesetters Matlama have played 10 matches and are on 23 points, while fourth-placed Likhopo have played 10 matches and are on 18 points. LCS also have 18 points from 10 matches, making it a tight contest in the top half of the table.
And according to Nkone, he is confident his team has the class to win the league championship this season, and is prepared to do whatever is necessary for this to happen.
“We are very delighted with the performance of the team and I believe they are genuine contenders for the league title,” Nkone told the Lesotho Times.
“Our goal now is to win every match and I will do all it takes to support my team.”
Nkone, who surprised many when he purchased the premiership franchise of Mpharane Celtic last season, renamed the team Sundawana and moved its base to Butha-Buthe, says he has great ambitions for his side.
“I want to make this team a force to reckon with not just here in Lesotho but also internationally,” said Nkone.
“I will buy the best available talent in this country and outside because the plan is to make this team the best in Lesotho.
“The ambition is to win the league title, play in African competitions and become a big team on the continent.”
However, Nkone also paid tribute to head-coach Bob Mafoso.
“The coach has turned things around since he took over in August,” Nkone said.
“The players have also done their part and I’m very proud of their achievements so far.
“I will splash the cash if there is need to reinforce the squad in January because like I said, we want to be the best team in Lesotho.”
On his part, Mafoso attributed teamwork to the good performances, as well as good fortune.
“I think it is a combination of different things—the players are motivated and luck has also been on our side,” Mofoso said.
“Without putting pressure on ourselves, we need to enjoy this good run. We will keep working hard to see where it gets us and take it from there.”
Mafoso also said what makes his job easier is the players’ willingness to learn.
Sundawana have also benefitted from the excellent form of former Likhopo midfielder, Majalefa Tšoeu, and striker Raboena Koloti. Koloti scored his seventh league goal of the season in the win over Bantu to move into second place on the scoring charts—one strike behind Likhopo’s Lehlomela Ramabele.
